A Wyoming man hired to be the next parks and recreation director for Carson City apparently had all the right answers for residents and city staff who interviewed him.
Roger Moellendorf, 18-year parks and recreation director for Green River, Wyo., was chosen out of 50 applicants by Carson City Manager Linda Ritter and panels of citizen volunteer advisory boards and city department heads.
"Everybody agreed," Carson City Manager Linda Ritter said. "He has the relevant experience."
Moellendorf's major Green River projects include construction of a $1.5 million athletic field complex, development of a seven-mile greenbelt along the Green River, construction of a $5.4-million indoor recreation center and construction of a whitewater park.
Moellendorf, 52, said he plans to tackle an open-space master plan and development of a new community gym for Carson City.
"Preservation of open space is a high priority," he said.
Before Moellendorf signed on with Green River, he was a city arborist for Fremont, Neb., from 1979 to 1983.
He has a bachelor of science degree in forestry and outdoor recreation from Colorado State University earned in 1975, and a master's in public administration from the University of Wyoming, received in 1993.
Laurie Hood, a human resources specialist for the city of Green River, said city workers hate to see Moellendorf go.
"We're not too happy with (Carson City) for taking him," Hood said. "He's a great guy, and we're really going to miss him around here."
Moellendorf said his wife wanted to move farther west and tackle new challenges after the last of their three children went off to college.
"I'm an empty-nester," he said, "and it's an exciting time for Carson City as far as growth, the wilderness of the area and recreational opportunities."
He said he's known for his enthusiasm and an ability to see projects to completion.
"My strong suit is development of projects," he said. "The main thing is that I'll be helping to preserve teamwork in an already very fine department."
Former Carson City Parks and Recreation Director Steve Kastens retired in March, leaving the position vacant for six months.
Carson City Parks Operations Director Scott Fahrenbruch filled in for Kastens during the interim.
Fahrenbruch was one of the panelists who selected Moellendorf for the job.
Ritter said a few Carson City employees applied for the position, but did not meet minimum requirements.
Moellendorf's first day of work will be Oct. 4.
Contact Robyn Moormeister at rmoormeister@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
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